North East Loop

 

6 days

 

highlights:

Boat cruise on Ba Be lakes

Spectacular Ban Gioc waterfalls

Breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay and Quan Lan island

Colourful hill-tribes

Mountain's cool climate

itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in reality. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Please note that our brochure is usually released by the end of each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. It is very important that you print a final copy of your Trip Dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans

DETAIL ITINERARY

Ha Noi – Ba Be lakes – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc waterfalls – Cai Rong - Quan Lan island

Day 1 Ha Noi – Ba Be lakes

The journey northeast begins as we depart the town and pass through the undulating terrain of tea plantation and the many timeless villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northeastern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road and traffic conditions our drive will leave us with a mid to late afternoon arrival in Ba Be lakes. After checking into hotel we will have free time to walk around or simply to relax.

Overnight: Thuy Dung hotel or similar  

Meals included: none

Day 2 Ba Be – Cao Bang

The national park of Ba Be is centered on large Ba Be Lake. This is just one continuous water body although its name means "three lakes”. Today we embark on our boat navigating around the lake, which gives us a taste of relaxation and an enjoyable visit to the park. Along the way, we make stopover at some hill tribe villages before getting off the beaten track to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. The cruise continues on the main water source of Ba Be Lake up to Cho Ra. At this small village, we meet up with our vehicle and drive towards Cao Bang. O/N in Cao Bang.

Overnight: Huong Thom hotel or similar  

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfalls

Heading out of the town we start venturing into the most northern region of Cao Bang Province . The scenic roads traverse Trung Khanh before arriving at Ban Gioc Waterfall, which boasts the largest waterfall in Vietnam . We visit this sight and follow our trip to Nguom Ngao Caves , just off the road to Cao Bang. This enormous cave has two main entrances and one branch reaching almost all the way to the waterfalls where is a ˜secret” entrance. A local guide is provided for your exploration of the cave. On the way back, you can make stops as you please, to visit hill tribe villages and take pictures. O/N in Cao Bang.

Overnight: Huong Thom hotel or similar  

Meals included: breakfast

Day 4 Cao Bang – Lang Son – Cai Rong

An early morning departure takes us through the many hill villages and the tranquil town of Dong Khe and That Khe. The journey north continues along the National Highway 4 and follows the Ky Cung river which flows around the foot of limestone mountains to Lang Son. This border town had been all destroyed during the recent Sino - Vietnamese war, but was rebuilt to become an important trade center in north eastern region, after a short visit around town we keep heading to Cai Rong, we drive past Mau Mount, about 30 kilometres from Lang Son city on the winding narrow mountain path, like a snake, lies tucked between 2 steep mountains. Mau Mount is 1542 m above sea level, this area's picturesque scenery turns it a mini Sapa characterized with the beautiful steep mountains. In the late afternoon we arrive in Cai Rong, O/N in Cai Rong.

Overnight: Duy Khanh hotel or similar  

Meals included: breakfast

Day 5 Cai Rong – Quan Lan island

Today we board a ferry for an exploration of the legendary Bai Tu Long Bay on the way to Quan Lan island, on  board the ferry you have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of the bay during the 3 hour journey, views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. Arriving at Quan Lan Island , a Vietnamese tuk-tuk will take you to your bungalow on the beach. It is then free time to chill, relax, or take a walk along the beach, a popular option is to hire a bicycle and take a photographic trip around the Island, which will allow you to glimpse the remoteness and untouched scenery that was Vietnam before wide-scale tourism made its impact.

Overnight: Beach bungalow  

Meals included: breakfast

Day 6 Quan Lan – Ha Long – Ha Noi

Early this morning we reboard the ferry for another cruise to Ha Long city where you meet up with your vehicle, lunch in a local restaurant before driving to Ha Noi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village, back to the hotel in Ha Noi for dinner and a toast to the completion of one of Vietnam's most spectacular loops

Meals included: breakfast

Your adventure ends upon arrival in Hanoi . If you do not have other arrangements in Vietnam , Tailormade Vietnam Holidays can book additional nights for you at the starting point hotel

 

Before you travel it is essential that you read carefully this dossier which you can download from our website.

We regularly update our dossiers. Please check our website to ensure that you have the most up to date copy

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and Tailormade Vietnam Holidays